PEDAGOGY OF FEAR: CULTURAL HEGEMONY AND THE ASSAD BA’ATHIST REGIME

Abstract

Fear is a powerful social and political control instrument, shaping behaviors, culture, ideologies, and societal structures. This thesis examines the role of cultural hegemony in embedding fear within Syrian society under the Assad Ba’athist regime. Through mechanisms of indoctrination, education, media narratives, and performative loyalty, the regime systematically cultivated a culture of fear that became deeply ingrained in everyday life. Drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, this research explores how authoritarian power operates beyond coercion, influencing individuals to internalize fear as a structural component of their identity and societal norms. The main research question is: How has the Assad Ba’athist regime utilized cultural hegemony to institutionalize fear within Syrian society, and in what ways has this fear been embedded into cultural, educational, and ideological structures? This study analyzes educational materials, media productions, and cultural artifacts using a qualitative content analysis approach. Findings reveal that the Assad regime's hegemonic strategies not only suppressed dissent but also shaped a collective consciousness where obedience was perceived as survival and a part of culture. By examining the interplay between consent and coercion, this thesis contributes to broader discussions on authoritarian governance, the psychology of fear, and the long-term effects of ideological state control. The aim of this thesis is to explore how this pedagogy of fear came to be, in what manners it was manifested into Syrian society and culture.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science